HEALING WISDOM
By James Robinson (c) 2007
Prior to the development of modern “allopathic” medicine in the Industrial Age, cultures had special individuals who held special knowledge and insight into the healing of their tribe and communities. They understood the healing properties of herbs and plants, communicated with nature and animals, studied the heavens and predicted the future. Indigenous peoples and “third world” cultures still enjoy the special abilities of these “natural” healers.
These healers learned from master teachers to whom they were apprenticed. The teachings were experiential, not from books. They lived with their master teacher and learned by observation and oral teachings. When they were ready, their teacher would pass down the ancient techniques of healing, developed over the long centuries through inspiration, intuition, trial and error.
These healers were the shamans of the Native Americans, the Mayan Curanderos, the Incans, the Vedic healers of India, the Druids of Europe, the barefoot Chinese healers and presence healers of the Orient, the acupuncturists, the “witch doctors” of African tribes, the Pygmies, the Aborigines, the witches, the wizards and the alchemists, and more. Although their mythology and techniques differed, they all shared a common wisdom — that healing comes from the inside.
As these individuals studied and practiced their craft, without the distractions of television, computers or books, they discovered the incredible healing power that each of us possesses. Shamans and enlightened ones discovered that certain places on and in the Earth held special powers, special energies that could be used to facilitate healing. They further discovered certain words, hand motions and hand positions on the body unlocked miraculous healing. The wise ones discovered that the mind held unlimited potential for manifesting anything the heart desired.
Unlike modern medicine that requires years of expensive academic study and licenses and testing, anyone can learn the techniques passed down for centuries from master teacher to apprentice. These are teachings that cannot be learned from books, as special energies are passed from the teacher to the student while the student is in the presence of the teacher. These techniques can be used by the student for self-healing or on others, and they are safe, passive, non-intrusive and fun!
Even modern medicine is beginning to understand the healing power of divine powers which were taken for granted by the ancient shamans. Prayer, meditation and consultation are now being taught as courses in medical schools all over the world. Even though modern medicine cannot explain the healing power of the divine, it recognizes there are powers that cannot be seen, heard, felt, smelled or touched, that heal miraculously. These forces cannot be measured on a machine and can be as effective as a pill.
The source of these healing methods is energy. The energy that surrounds, coexists, flows through and connects all of us. The ancient shamans could sense, see, feel, know this energy and through their trained psychic abilities they discovered methodologies for helping the sick and diseased people in their communities and tribes. They discovered that the mind is a powerful tool for harnessing this energy and that the secret to miraculous results is a powerful connection to the divine.
For centuries these teachings were kept secret for several reasons. Primarily, the teachings were only for those who were ready to learn them. Teachers required years of service and humility to properly prepare the student’s mind and heart for the divine knowledge they were to learn. People who were self-centered, egotistical, and selfish, concerned only with their personal welfare were not ready for these teachings. Teachers were adamant that only the pure of heart should have this knowledge, for it was the pure heart that made the teachings effective. People who did not have the necessary preparation and foundation could not use the teachings and would accuse teachers of fraud and deception. Therefore the teachings were kept secret and taught only in “mystery schools” where the students would only be taught the sacred knowledge when they were ready.
In Europe and North America, many of these teachers were persecuted, either by established religions that were threatened by their talents and worship of nature, by governments who sought to control the practice of medicine, or by medical professions that wanted to limit the treatment of patients to members of their association. Oftentimes because the teachings were secret, “esoteric”, or “mysterious”, the teachers were accused of being witches or wizards in league with evil forces. In order to protect themselves and their teachings, these teachers went “underground” and kept their knowledge secret.
In other countries, training was long and arduous, and the teachings were not shared with the general population because the general population was not willing to prepare themselves for the work. Furthermore, the work was reserved for those who had special talents in the psychic realm, which could be sensed by the master teachers. As most people felt this process to be too demanding, they were perfectly willing to leave these arts to those who were dedicated to learning and perfecting their craft.
For today, many people are seeking alternative ways to heal themselves and others. Embracing a deeper, stronger, more vibrant connection to the divine in the universe, more and more people are reconnecting with ancient teachings. Not satisfied with waiting until disease strikes to seek medical help, people want to learn natural and simple ways to stay healthy, live longer and happier lives. This is the wisdom of the ancients, the knowledge that waits to be taught. People want to know how to avoid disease, to feel more alive, to eat healthy foods, to raise healthy children, and to live as long as genetically possible.
These ancient teachings do not replace modern medicine. It is important to seek medical help when necessary and appropriate. However, improving health and living longer is our human inheritance which can be realized by learning the ancient teachings as well as following the advice of medical professionals. The ancient cures of magical food such as chicken soup (in the US) or borscht (in Europe) and tender loving care can be just as effective as a pill. The ancient shamans knew that it was love and magic that healed the sick. This was the healing wisdom for all ages.